Flagship Program

The Blue Prairie Initiative

A long-term program that works with landowners, producers, and partners to care for the “blue” lungs of the prairie—wetlands, creeks, and riparian areas that keep the landscape alive. Blue Prairie supports practical, on-the-ground watershed stewardship across rural Southeast Alberta.

Wetlands & Riparian Health Working Prairie Landscapes Demonstration & Learning Sites

Explore the Initiative

Blue Prairie Initiative

Why “Blue Prairie”?

The term “Blue Prairie” reflects the idea that wetlands, coulees, and prairie waters are the lungs of the landscape. They quietly filter water, support biodiversity, buffer drought and flood, and sustain people, crops, and livestock.

Rather than seeing the prairie only as “dry country,” the Blue Prairie Initiative celebrates its creeks, wetlands, and riparian areas—and focuses on grounded, practical stewardship that fits with working lands.

The program is funded through a mix of grants, donors, and partnerships that can shift over time. As new projects, funders, and collaborators come on board, the initiative is designed to grow and adapt.

At a glance

Focus area: Rural watersheds in the
SEAWA region
Participants: Landowners, producers,
and partners
Program type: Umbrella initiative with
multiple projects
Support: Grants, donors, and
in-kind contributions

Note: Specific funding partners and project sites vary over time as grants and opportunities change.

Three branches of the Blue Prairie Initiative

The initiative is organized into three interconnected branches. Each branch can host multiple projects and evolve as new funding and partners come on board.

Branch One

Blue Prairie Stewardship Program

The Blue Prairie Stewardship Program is part of SEAWA’s Blue Prairie Initiative and focuses on practical land care projects that support lasting watershed resilience and function across Southeast Alberta.

Working with landowners, producers, municipalities, and community partners, the program supports stewardship projects that leave meaningful, long-term value on the landscape. This may include projects that improve riparian condition, establish native vegetation, enhance habitat, and address local watershed challenges related to drought, flooding, and land and water management.

SEAWA supports these projects through project planning, technical guidance, and help identifying funding and partnership opportunities. Current program activities are funded in part through Alberta Environment and Protected Areas’ Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program (WRRP), alongside SEAWA’s broader stewardship efforts.

Every project starts with a conversation.

Prairie grasslands and working ranchlands

Branch Two

Blue Prairie Recovery Program

Branch Three

Rangeland Reading Room

Developed by the South East Alberta Watershed Alliance, the regional watershed council for southeastern Alberta, the Rangeland Reading Room responds to a growing need for a local place to access information about the region's land and water resources.

The Reading Room houses maps, reports, studies, and educational materials. The collection is still being developed, and additional resources will be added over time.

The space is available to students, researchers, teachers, elected officials, landowners, producers, industry representatives, and community members. It is intended primarily for research, small meetings, and focused work. Visitors are asked to use the space in a manner that supports these activities for others.

Located on Dunmore Road, the Reading Room is open to the public.

How projects come together

Working directly with landowners and partners.

Blue Prairie projects typically start with a conversation. SEAWA staff work one-on-one with landowners, producers, and partners to understand site conditions, goals, and what’s realistic on the ground. From there, the program explores potential funding and technical support.

Because funding sources and partners change over time, each project is tailored to current opportunities, local needs, and what will provide the greatest benefit to watershed health.

Typical project pathway

1

Initial conversation

Landowners or partners contact SEAWA to discuss their land, concerns, or ideas.
2

Site review & options

Staff review available information, may visit the site, and identify potential project options under one or more Blue Prairie branches.
3

Funding & partnerships

SEAWA explores current grant programs, partnerships, and timelines to see what support may be available.
4

Project delivery

Where a good fit is found, projects move ahead with agreed roles, timelines, and on-the-ground actions.

Note: Not every inquiry will result in a funded project, but conversations help SEAWA understand needs and shape future programming.

Get involved

Interested in Blue Prairie for your land or project?

At this time, SEAWA connects with landowners and partners through conversations, field visits, and email—not through an online application form. If you think your land, operation, or project idea might be a fit, reach out to start the conversation.

Contact SEAWA about Blue Prairie

Please include a brief description of your land or idea, and the general area or legal land description if possible.